Joseph Lawson

Introduction

For this information I am very grateful to Brian Lawson who traces
his descent from Joseph's older brother, James - he has traced back
the Lawson family on the Island to James Lawson who arrived on the
Island around 1600, probably at Ramsey as the family settled in
Andreas.

Joseph Lawson, unlike many other Mormon Converts, came from a
fairly well off family - Joseph's parents were Edward Lawson &
Margaret Cottier who had a bakery at 22 King Street. Edward died from
drowning on 28 Oct 1850. His body was found at Groudle on 19 November
that year.

Margaret took over the business and by all accounts ran the family
with a more than firm hand, which could well explain why Joseph left
home. while not wealthy, the family were certainly comfortable. At
his death Edward owned 10 or 12 properties around Strand street &
Drumgold Street Douglas.

His journal is in private hands - the extracts here are quoted by
permission of Brian Lawson . Although mainly concerned with family
matters they offer an otherwise unknown glimpse of the Island Mormon
community post 1850 after whch date they received little notice in
the press.

Obituary

Obituary Deseret Evening News, 23
January, 1896 Joseph Hall Elder

Joseph Lawson Ogden, Utah, Jan. 23, 1896
Elder Joseph Lawson was the son of Edward Lawson and Margaret
Cottier Lawson. He was born at Douglas, Isle of Man, December 9,
1824. His father was a miller and wholesaler in grain, flour,
etc., and was the proprietor of a large corn exchange. He did an
extensive business on the island and elsewhere. Joseph received
his education in his native town, and was for a number of years
his father's right hand man. He kept the books and conducted the
entire business of the establishment, and thus relieved his father
of much care and responsibility. After the fullness of the Gospel
as preached by the Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
day Saints had invaded
the island, Joseph Lawson became an attentive and earnest
student of Mormonism. He was ultimately convinced that it was true
and on February 27, 1844, was baptized by John Muncaster [? if
same John Muncaster
the watchmaker]. On December 9, 1845, he was united in
marriage to Miss Eleanor Garnett [sic Garrett]. She was
the daughter of Hugh Garnett and Catharine Christian Garnett. She
was born at Douglas, Isle of Man, on November, 1823. In 1846 she
was baptized at Liverpool by Joseph Hall.

Soon after their marriage they emigrated to the
United States and settled in New Orleans, La. During one of the
terrible scourges that visited that city Mrs. Lawson was
prostrated, and on July 27, 1853, she succumbed to the yellow
fever. She had scarcely reached the prime of life, being not 30
years of age when she died. There were no children of this
marriage.

After the death of his wife Brother Lawson returned
to England, and from there he went to the Isle of Man. He remained
on his native island a little over one year doing what he could to
convince his friends and neighbours that the fullness of the
Gospel had been restored to earth by an angel sent from heaven for
that purpose. On May 25, 1854, he was ordained an Elder at Douglas
under the hands of J. W. Coward and James Cross. (He had
previously been ordained a Priest Oct. 8, 1847). He labored in a
local capacity in the ministry till 1855,

On March 31st of that year he embarked on board the
large sailship Juventa, bound for Philadelphia with over 500
Mormons on board. From Philadelphia he went forward by railroad
and steamboat to Mormon Grove, the outfitting point for that
year's Mormon overland emigration. It was located about three
miles west of Atchison, Kansas. He reached the "Grove" May 27, and
remained there until June 7, when he commenced his overland
journey to Utah. There were fifty-three wagons in the company,
under the command of Captain John Hinley. He reached Salt Lake
City, near sundown, September 4th, and on the 9th of same month he
took to himself for a wife Ruth M. Greenway, the ceremony being
performed by Bishop Abraham Hoagland. On Nov. 2nd, he with his
wife came to Ogden, which place since that time they have made
their permanent home. Here he engaged in agriculture; also in
opening up canyon roads, building canals and other water courses
for irrigation and mill purposes. He held stock in and assisted to
dig out the Ogden canal. On June 23, 1857, he was ordained a
Seventy and joined the Fifty-third quorum, which he faithfully
magnified. He labored as a home missionary in the Weber Stake for
several years, preaching the Gospel in the various settlements as
well as in Ogden city.

At a general conference held at Salt Lake City,
April 7, 1866, he was called to go on a mission to Great Britain.
On the 17th of the same month he was set apart by President John
Taylor and others, and on the 24th he started on his mission. He
traveled on foot, being "being without purse or script" and
suffering many hardships and often making the cold ground his bed
a night, he reached Chicago, Ill., on June 21st, where, for lack
of funds, he slept out of doors four nights. From Chicago he went
to New York arriving there August 4th, still without money. Here
he was compelled to sleep out nine nights. He walked in and around
New York for some considerable time to earn means to enable him to
further prosecute his journey to his destination. On September
26th he took passage on the steamship Palmyra, bound for
Liverpool, England, where he arrived October 8th, and reported at
the headquarters of the British mission. He labored in the
ministry in Liverpool until the 16th, when he was appointed to
preach the Gospel on the Isle of Man. There he continued doing
missionary work until November 27th [This date should be the
17th - see diary excerpts], when he received another
appointment to labor in the Welsh district, under the direction of
Elder Abel Evans. Again, on December 21st of the same year, he was
sent to travel and preach in the Pembrokeshire conference under
the presidency of Elder William White. In the latter field his
ministry was continued until June 10th, 1868, at which date he was
appointed to preside over the Norwich conference. In addition to
the above named places Elder Lawson did a great deal of effective
missionary work in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and many other
towns and villages in England, and wherever he went he made a host
of kind friends.

During the above named periods he labored
incessantly, notwithstanding he had become much reduced
physically. In the fall of the year 1869, he was honorably
released from his mission to return home. On Sept. 22nd, he took
passage on board the steamship Manhattan, with 200 Latter-day
Saints, bound for New York. He was appointed to preside over the
company. They arrived at that point Oct. 7th, and then proceeded
at once by railroad for Utah. He arrived at Ogden city Oct. 16th,
where he rested after his long and toilsome journey. On December
29th he was ordained High Priest by President Lorin Farr, and was
secretary of the High Priests quorum of the Weber Stake for about
seven years.

On May 25, 1889, Elder Lawson received another
letter of appointment to fill a mission to Great Britain. This
time he was accompanied by his wife. They arrived in New York
about the 1st of June, and on the 4th sailed from this port on the
steamship Wisconsin, and on the 18th landed in Liverpool. From
there he was again sent to the Isle of Man; but in consequence of
severe physical debility, he was unable to travel, and he held
what was called fireside preachings in the houses of the Saints.
While there he also was engaged in searching for the genealogies
of his ancestors, in which he was successful. This mission was a
very brief one, owing to his sickness.

On August 31st, 1889, he, with his wife, boarded the
steamship Wisconsin and sailed for Liverpool for New York, ariving
there September 14th. On their return trip, and when about four
miles from Lynchbury, they had a narrow escape from death. The
train was wrecked, several passenger were severely injured, but
Elder Lawson and wife escaped uninjured. On September 23rd they
arrived at Ogden again safely. For seven years previous to his
death Joseph Lawson was confined to his house with palsy. He was
completely paralysed and unable to help himself in any manner. In
his sad affliction his faithful wife nursed him until his death
affectionately. He passed peacefully away early New Year's
morning, 1896, and was interred in the Ogden cemetery. He was a
man in whom veneration for the Deity was strongly developed. He
was a devout worshiper, and had the most implicit faith in the
justice, truth and mercy of God. He was himself a just and upright
man, beloved, honored and esteemed by all who knew him. He was
true to his God, to his country and its institutions. He was
devotedly attached to his family and was clearly beloved by them.
He died in full faith that he would rise again on the morning of
the first resurrection.

Secretary of seventies 20 years and high priests 15 years.
Black Hawk war veteran. Colonizer. secretary and treasurer of
Ogden Bench canal 1858-66; secretary and treasurer David Heber
canal 1873-94. Assisted in bringing immigrants to Utah 1866-69
from Liverpool, Eng. Farmer

Diaries

The following excerpts are from the diary of Joseph Lawson during
his mission to Great Britain, 15th October, 1866, to 10th of January,
1868. He left Salt Lake City on foot on the 24th of April, 1866, with
no money or possessions, arriving in England some five and a half
month later on the 8th of October.

Isle of Man, 1866

October 18

During my stay in Liverpool, I wrote to my sister &
brother-in-law in Douglas. They came to see me on the 12th and
remained until the 16th, on which day I went with them to Douglas.
Previous to going, I spoke to brother O. Pratt who seemed pleased
I should go and gave me a letter of appointment to Labour on the
Isle of Man. Since I have been to Douglas I have visited some of
the old saints who was pleased to see me. I have also visited my
brother Thomas and family who have three children, two boys and
one girl, who have treated me kindly. My sister and brother in law
are kind. They have six, three boy and three girls. October 22 I
have stayed with my brother Thomas and visited Braddan Church Yard
and feel rather dull.

October 23

At my brothers and have visited Onchan Churchyard.

November 2

Got a conveyance of stock that was given by my mother to George
Mc Neil, and recopied and recorded the same; by which I will get a
little money to help me.

November 5

Got a large family Bible that was my father's, from my sister
and gave it to me.

November 6

Went from Douglas towards Ramsey. Got as far as Ballajora to
visit my cousin Ellen Cottier, married to John Corkill. They have
seven children. They appeared glad to see me, insisted on my
stopping overnight, which I did but didn't like it very well. They
have sufficient to make them comfortable if they know how.

November 7

Called this morning to see my cousin Thomas Cottier. He was not
at home, therefor didn't stop. Continued my walk on to my Uncle's.
He lives about four miles beyond Ramsey. He didn't know me at
first, but soon recognized me and was glad to see me.

November 8

Walked back into Ramsey. Called on the way to see my cousin
Catherine Cottier. She has been dead near two years, married to a
man named John Sawar. My Uncle Thomas Cottier was more comfortable
than the rest I have spoken of, but he and his wife have no
children to trouble them.

November 9

Spent this morning at my sisters and in the afternoon visited
my Aunt Catherine. Had a great chat with her in talking over old
affairs.

November 10

Spent this morning at my sisters, and in the afternoon went to
see some new houses my brother-in-law has built, and is finishing
in Duke [St]. They have also moved, having purchased the
late Andrew Croughow's house and premises in Duke St. I have
thought of visiting my wife Ruth M. Greenway's friends in South
Wales, and think at present to go there next week.

November 13, 1866

Wanted some money from our sister Mc Neil, as much as £10
and could only get borrowed £30 from my brother which he was
willing to do without a note therefor, and could have mustered
£100. I was proud to see him have so much, but respecting my
sister and brother-in-law, I don't feel so well.

...then follows Welsh trip

Isle of Man, 1867 June 22

I received another order to send the money to my wife for which
I sent her last fall which she failed to receive. Brother Benson
agreed to visit the Isle of Man with me and we left for there at
noon. We arrived after a pleasant passage of five and a half
hours. On Douglas pier we have kindly been received by my brother
Thomas Lawson. After tea we had a ride on the Crescent. After
which we had a walk and visited my Aunt Catherine, who was glad to
see me. She has been ill all winter and wished us to administer in
the laying on of hands according to the order of the church. We
did so, Brother Benso[n] being mouth and prayed for her.
We had a good bed provided for us by her, but we preferred
stopping at the Crescent.

June 24

Today we visited Peel and the ruins of the old castle. I though
the country poor and getting worse. We had dinner with John Kelly.
After we returned, we called on my sisters in Circular road.
McNeil and her daughter Margaret was from home. Went to father
Cowens and had tea, after which we walked around the town and
returned to the Crescent. I will here say we have enjoyed
ourselves pretty well.

June 25

Today we visited and had a settlement of affairs with McNeils
middling satisfactory. We also had tea and remained until about
9:00p.m. McNeil presented me with a pair of shoes and a pair of
slipper to brother Benson. I will also mention sister Quinn, and
Margaret Cannell gave me and brother Benson some
contributions.

June 27

Brother Benson is not well this morning and has not got up from
his bed. I have been engaged in writing and prepared writing for a
settlement with William McNeil and also for my brother Thomas by
which my brother upon payment of £30 came into possession of
my sisters half of Logh quarry property as an offset against rents
due my sister as executing to my mother's on my brother Edward's.
Half which has been given to Thomas by Edward. Engaged in
conversation and had tea at my sister's. She gave me three pairs
of sox and a pocket handkerchief, I also received money on account
of what was due me. McNeil, my sister and their children seem to
be quite attached to us and we remained until a late hour this
evening.

Isle of Man- 1868

November 21

This morning at 8:30 left per steamer for Douglas, was 5¾
hours from port. After landing visited brother Cowins for
something to eat. Also my sister and stopped at my brother's in a
new house built by him in the Lough Quarry.

November 22

Remained at my brother this day, it being Sunday. Afternoon
visited and had tea at sister Robinsons and remained in
conversation some 4 or 5 hours.

November 23

This day attended the sale of my half house, which after a
competition it was knocked down to a Mrs. Sanaghem, widow. She
having occupied it for a number of years. Sold for
£64-11s-0d

November 24

Visited my sister, but felt rather low, having no inclination
to visit much.

November 25

Visited Mrs. Moore's my brother wife's mother and a sister of
my brother's wife with whom I spent some three hours in
conversation.

November 26

Received £10 deposit according to the conditions of the
sale for three months credit and practised some in writing a bill
of sale.

November 27 Returned to Liverpool per steamer

Mormon Immigration CD ROM has several entries

1850 Josiah Bradlee (Feb) & Argo
(March) - Deposit returned; travelled on the Olympus March
1851. Also travelled back to USA on Juventa 1855. Noted as
President of company on Manhattan 1869;